Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne

After we had some wine and the frogs legs our guide would be taking us on a walking tour through this delightful town. We needed to walk off all the wine that comes flowing with these tastings. Our walk took us around an hour. We wandered around the little cobblestone streets going through “secrect” walkways that connected each street. Walls painted with farming scenes, the humble chicken taking pride of place.

Covered walkways linking the tiny lanewaysPaintings of typical farm life

Chatillon-sur- Charlaronne is a charming Medical town situated on a peaceful river in the heart of the Dombes. This beautiful village has a 4 flower rating and a winner of the National Floral Grand Prix. Floral bridges and river banks is a wonderful place to wander for flower lovers of which I definitely am.

The market house was replaced in 1440 by cathedral-like halls: 80 m long, 20 m wide and 10 high. The building divided into three spans is supported by enormous pillars of oak on which rests the framework also in oak.

Destroyed partly in 1670 by a fire, they will be rebuilt identically thanks to the generosity of Mademoiselle de Montpensier, Countess of Chatillon, who allowed the inhabitants to take the necessary wood in his forest of Tanay.

Every Saturday morning, they welcome the market for fresh produce and serve as a refuge for outdoor events surprised by the weather.

The village has timber-framed houses and a 17th century wooden market hall. It’s so pretty and quaint and yes I will say it again, I would love to stay here for a few days to experience the village life.

Beautiful Timber framed homes with flowers at every window

The French mostly grow Geraniums at every window as not only do they look pretty they are great insect repellant.

Some refer the town as the “Pink Town” from the color of the bricks used in the buildings. It’s also referred to as “Little Venice” .

The small medieval town of Châtillon in the Dombes region is still marked today by the trace of humanist Saint Vincent-de-Paul who set up the confraternity the Ladies of Charity (la confrérie des Dames de la Charité) here, and was canonised in 1617.

Saint Vincent De Paul 16171617 St Vincent De Paul was canonised

As we walked through the town a few things stood out. So pretty, so clean and so quaint.

Flowers everywhere.15th Century Market Hall

Imagine the hustle and bustle on market day. Fresh produce from the region, I can almost smell the fresh vegetables, the cheeses, the wine!

The humble ChickenBreathtaking beautyFlowers on Bridges

The Porte de Villars is part of the fortified walls of Chatillon sur Chalaronne. Built by the Dukes of Savoy, begun in 1273 by Philip I, Count of Savoy, it was completed in 1321 by Ame V, the Grand Duke of Savoy.The enclosure was pierced only in four places to allow the entry and the exit of ChâtillonPorte de Bourg at the Hotel de La TourPorte de Lyon rue JohnsonUseless door rue Barrit Gate of VillarsOnly the remarkably preserved Porte de Villars remains. Unobstructed from neighboring houses, the Tower looked very beautiful.

(I tried to find information on google regarding the “useless door rue Barrit” . I wonder why it was given that name?)

Port de VillarsPort de Villars – registered as a historical monument

The convent of the Capuchins was built in 1636-1639, the laying of the first stone took place April 16, 1636. When the Revolution broke out, the church was assigned to meetings of popular assemblies and became the seat of the district in June 1790. An inventory drawn up October 29, 1790 mentions the church, the sacristy, the cloister, the kitchen, the refectory, the expense, the heating room, the winter refectory, another room of expense, the library, several rooms of religious, and two dormitories that can accommodate ten religious. In January 1791, the Capuchins left the convent. It was sold in 1796.

The Convent des Capuchins

There is so much to do in this town.

They have a miniature steam train museum. Unfortunately we only had a little time in the town. Perhaps next time when I visit.

Now its back to the ship to get ready for a night of more eating and drinking and fun!

This looks beautiful, and I adore that bridge/walkway between the two buildings. It’s wonderful to see so many flowers, too, rather than just concrete – and I love that they adorn the windows of so many buildings. Fascinating, and wonderful photos! 🙂